Tips and tricks for using a kabuki brush

If you're like most makeup lovers, you probably have a variety of brushes you rely on day in and day out to achieve certain makeup looks. But if you've never worn mineral foundation before, the kabuki brush may be one of the few tools you're not sure how to use properly. No problem – help is here.

Most makeup brushes include three specific components: the bristles, the ferrule (the metal band in the middle), and the handle. Here's where the kabuki brush differs dramatically. This short, stubby little wonder doesn't have a ferrule or a handle – which makes sense if you know how to use it correctly. Take a look at this quick "how to" video to see what this brush is used for and how to get the best results.

Materials
- Kabuki brush
- Mineral foundation or powder
- Finishing (or setting) spray

Directions
1. Before picking up this mushroom-shaped gem, ask yourself, "What product am I applying?" If the answer is anything other than mineral foundation or powder, put the kabuki brush down and pick up another tool.

2. Tap some foundation or powder into the jar lid and swirl the brush in it.

3. Tap the brush against the product lid to knock off any excess. You don't need to be heavy-handed, and it's best to apply a second layer if necessary instead of overpowdering.

4. Here comes the fun. Press the brush against your skin and begin buffing gently in circular motions. This ensures you get perfect poreless coverage. Whatever you do, don't dab, press or stipple with this brush. You'll force too much product onto the skin.

5. Once you've achieved the desired coverage, mist your face with finishing spray to set the makeup. If you want a demi-matte finish, you can also go back over your face once more with a little more foundation or powder. Just be sure to blend gently or the wet spray and dry powder will cake together.

That's all there is to it. Easy, huh?